Somali government forces have intensified military operations against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle, targeting areas considered important to the militant group’s activities, according to security sources cited by Mustaqbal Media.
Officials from the Somali National Army said Al-Shabaab fighters had “withdrawn from some areas of Middle Shabelle following increased military pressure” .
The officials said government forces were preparing to take full control of the areas from which the militants had withdrawn.
The latest operations form part of a broader Federal Government effort to increase military pressure on Al-Shabaab across central and southern Somalia.
The Federal Government has in recent months deployed additional forces to areas of South West, Hirshabelle and Galmudug states to reinforce ongoing military operations against the militant group.
The intensified operations in Middle Shabelle come as Somali forces continue efforts to expand government control and disrupt Al-Shabaab’s presence in areas where the group has maintained positions and freedom of movement.
Mustaqbal
